LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Pg 16

FREDONIA BUTTON FACTORY

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 10, 2017

       In 1922, a move was started to build a button factory in Fredonia. Clyde Turkington donated the trees for lumber, Oscar Crull and sons sawed the lumber, with a number of men from Fredonia donating labor, donations of money was solicited and work was donated on the building of it.

        In a clipping from December 21, 1922, Columbus Gazette, reads as follows: Our neighboring city of Fredonia, was incorporated a few weeks ago, is showing more business activity than most any community in the county.

        This week, H. M. Smith, and crew, busy on the construction of a two story building for Lawrence Crull and Jesse George, to be used as a button factory under the direction and management of Crull and George. Mr. George is an experienced button man and a number of experienced cutters already live in Fredonia. The opening of the new factory will provide work at home and no doubt bring other men and their families to the city.

        The new building is located north and west of the Rock Island depot, on lots owned by Mr Crull (now owned by Mrs. Merle Buster) and is 22 X36 and two storied high. Twenty-four machines will be installed by the Iowa Pearl Button works, and will be run by electricity.

        It is expected the opening of the button factory will induce the Iowa Gas and Electric Co., owners of the local transmission lines, to complete arrangements for supplying the residents of Fredonia with electric current.

        Work on the new building is moving rapidly and it is hoped that the building will be completed and the machines installed, so work can begin Monday , January 8, 1923.

        However, we learned the factory didn't open until Monday, January 15, 1923, and four years later McKee Button Co. moved out of the factory at Columbus Junction, and the Iowa Pearl was persuaded to move their machines to Columbus Junction.